What is butyrate (Hydroxymethyl Butyrate (HMB)?
Butyrate was discovered in 1869 by chemist Lieben and his colleague Rossi. In Latin, butyric acid means the acid of butter, as it was first discovered in rancid butter, which caused an unpleasant odour. It is a short-chain fatty acid produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fibres in the human colon – its role is to break down amino acids. Butyrate can be found in food sources such as legumes, fruits, nuts, cereals, whole grains, butter and cheese.
What is butyrate commonly used for?
Butyrate has a history of use in athletic performance, blood pressure and cholesterol health, however, there is not enough data to support efficacy to these claims.
Why don’t we sell butyrate?
There are simply not enough studies to say that butyrate supplements are safe for long term use – frequent or prolonged exposure can cause damaging effects. It is also not known if it is safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What are the alternatives?
We have an extensive range of products to support heart health - all of which are safe to use. Why not browse our Heart Health Category by clicking here.
Need FREE confidential nutrition advice? Contact our Nutrition Advice Team by clicking here.
Further reading… why not browse our Blog articles to find out more about how to support a healthy lifestyle.
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Keri
Keri Filtness has worked in the Nutrition Industry for 19 years. She is regularly called upon for her professional comments on health and nutrition related news. Her opinions have been featured by BBC3, Prima, Vitality, The Mirror, Woman’s Own and Cycling Weekly, amongst others. She has also worked one to one with journalists, analysing their diets and health concerns and recommending changes and additions, where appropriate.
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